Brock

Porter

The deal is now official. Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline reports that Rocker will receive a $5.2 million signing bonus, which is roughly $2.4 million less than slot value for the third overall selection in the 2022 MLB Draft, with those saving going to sign first-round talent Brock Porter, who was scooped up by the Rangers in the fourth round. The 22-year-old former Vanderbilt standout pitched for the Tri-City Valley Cats of the independent Frontier League this year after failing to sign with the Mets after being selected 10th overall in last summer’s MLB Draft.

Fourth-round pick signings don’t often get a lot of press, but this an exception. Porter was considered by many to be the top prep pitcher in this class, but slid not because of talent, but because of signing demands. According to Heyman, Texas is signing the right-hander to a bonus just under $4 million, and they’re using the savings by drafting Kumar Rocker with the third-pick ($2.7 million under slot) to do so. Porter has electric stuff, and could be a fantasy ace if he reaches his full potential.

The Rangers will use the savings from signing Kumar Rocker well below slot, and use them well. Porter, 19, is a commitment to Clemson, but that commitment isn’t likely to be honored now. Considered by many to be the top prep pitcher -- and maybe the top-overall pitching prospect -- in this class, Porter has three swing-and-miss pitches at his disposal with a lively fastball, plus change and slider that ranks just below those offerings. He’s still working on repeating his delivery, but as matures he should do it well enough to throw enough strikes to be a starter. Like all teenage pitchers there’s considerable work to be done, but he just might be an ace if he maxes out on his potential.